The flooding has prompted City Managing Director Wayne Hashiro to declare a state of emergency today for Windward O'ahu. The declaration allows the city to apply for federal disaster relief.

The declaration follows an emergency proclamation signed last night by Gov. Linda Lingle to help residents and businesses affected by recent floods.

Lingle's proclamation authorizes the use of the National Guard for disaster relief, public safety and debris removal, according to a statement by state Civil Defense. It also activates loan programs and the state Major Disaster Fund.